Highland firefighters face fitness test as new regime gets thumbs up
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has introduced a minimum fitness standard for firefighters.
The SFRS board has decided to bring in a minimum level of fitness from June.
Robert Scott, assistant chief officer, said firefighters who initially failed to meet the national force’s new standard would be put on a fitness regime.
Those who cannot make improvements to their health over the longer-term could be removed from operational duty.
The new regulations will apply to full time and retained firefighters.
Mr Scott said: “The reality is fire doesn’t know you are retained. Fire doesn’t know you are full-time. It’s the same arduous conditions for the crews when they’re going into a burning building.”
The new conditions were agreed at the board meeting at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness. The move harmonises procedures previously in use across Scotland.
However, it is the first time that a formal fitness test is in place in the Highlands and Islands.
Board members sought assurances that it would not have a major impact.
No estimates were available to indicate the number of people who might fail to make the grade.
However, chief officer, Alasdair Hay, said fitness tests were the biggest barrier to people who want to join the service.
He said: “In terms of people not being successful, the biggest proportion of applicants fail the fitness test.”
He assured members the fitness test level was based on sound research and “not just been plucked out of the air”.
He accepted the change could “lead to controversy” but said it was crucial to protect the health and safety of staff.
“It’s the benchmark that’s being used right across the UK,” he added.
Members approved plans to increase the minimum fitness level each year up to 2017.
They differ from the fitness tests for the armed forces in that they are not based on age.
